Vicki Forman's son died early this morning.

I've never met Vicki in person, I never met her son Evan. I've never met her brilliant daughter or her handsome husband -- she's an Internet friend and colleague.

It doesn't matter that we've never "met." She's extraordinary. As an advocate for children with special needs, she's mentored many. She writes exquisite essays and columns and blogs and books, and what she writes has made me think and laugh and cry many times. In her emails she's given me advice and cheered me on and stunned me with her wisdom.

And now her young son is dead. Evan is dead. The words rise and smash. The world stops again and stops again. I am so sorry, Vicki. I'm so sorry for your loss.

You can read more about Vicki, and leave a condolence message here....